CATCHING Synonyms: 407 Similar and Opposite Words

catching 1 of 2

adjective

ˈka-chiŋ

Definition of catching

as in infectious

capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another a cold is often catching before the symptoms even begin

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spreading

exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others a catching smile that instantly puts patients at ease

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catching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of catch

as in grabbing

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly we tried to catch the kitten before she could sneak out the door

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as in getting

to become affected with (a disease or disorder) you'll catch the flu for sure if you don't get a shot

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as in stopping

to bring (something) to a standstill I caught myself just as I was about to step into the freshly poured concrete

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in securing

to put securely in place or in a desired position caught back her hair with a barrette

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as in knowing

to have a clear idea of I didn't catch the point you were making about our nation's foreign policy

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as in tricking

to cause to believe what is untrue a number of media outlets were caught by the woman's hard-luck story

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as in encountering

to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face I'll catch you at the library tomorrow

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as in noticing

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes I looked out the window just in time to catch the neighbor's dog digging up my flower bed

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as in chasing

to move fast enough to get even with despite the suspect's considerable lead, the fleet-footed police officer was able to catch him and make an arrest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

falling short

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of catching

Adjective

The Braves gained four years and millions of dollars by substituting Olson for Freeman at first base – even though one of those traded was slugging catching prospect Shea Langeliers. — Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 The designs are eye catching and beautiful, inspired by South Florida's beaches and ocean water. — Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Verb

Now Trejo is catching flak for taking part in what has been described as a pro-ICE movie that is being produced by the conservative media outfit The Daily Wire, which was founded by political commentator Ben Shapiro. — Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026 Within its tubular housing are four lenses, and there's an 80-mm opening for catching light. — New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catching

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching

Adjective

His delight in working with actors, fencers, acrobats, musicians and our creative team is infectious, and there is such pleasure in hearing his delicious language come alive and discovering what his world can become on stage.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
Since then, Sivitz’s hyperfixation has become infectious on X and beyond.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of infectious

Verb

Friday’s exhibition contest featured a 22-0 KU run in the first half, the Jayhawks responding to Pitt State grabbing an early 22-21 lead.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
Keeping the shoes simple with a more eye-grabbing dress has been her outfit formula as of late.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of grabbing

Verb

Chisell, who previously worked at Amazon, eBay and Starling Bank, estimates that Paysend can now deliver around 25% more engineering work with the same-sized team, but argues that getting results isn’t as simple as handing everyone the latest tech.

— Lindsay Dodgson, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Fanatics Sportsbook is getting you in on the action with a $20 wager giving you $350 in FanCash when using promo code FOXNEWS350.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of getting

Verb

But Hurts threw incomplete on first down, wasting only four seconds and stopping the clock.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
The crackdown extended beyond the protest venue, with police stopping buses, cars and other vehicles at checkpoints on routes into the capital and searching for demonstrators.

— Sheikh Saaliq, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of stopping

Verb

The thieves used an electric saw to cut through a fence, entered the museum through the ground floor and cut clips securing the frames of four paintings.

— SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
As part of orchestrating this project, Simon was also involved in securing visas for the various international performers, encountering in the process the uneven access to travel for cultural workers across classes, nationalities, and milieus.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of securing

Verb

In other words, knowing how ads prompt purchase decisions is even more of a brass ring than ever.

— Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Feels like groundhog day to be back here knowing what the problem is and also knowing that the front office probably can't do anything about it.

— James Mirtle, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of knowing

Verb

RatHat relies heavily on tricking someone into installing a malicious Android app and approving powerful permissions.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Wardle found that a simple variation of ClickFix attack—a technique that has become remarkably effective in tricking people into infecting their devices—is all that’s required for an attacker to take control of a Muse account.

— Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of tricking

Verb

As part of orchestrating this project, Simon was also involved in securing visas for the various international performers, encountering in the process the uneven access to travel for cultural workers across classes, nationalities, and milieus.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
The teaser also introduces Ellis’ Alex Holland, who is encountering some of the same problems Nolan did while embarking on a new career as a cop midlife but in a leafier, more rural environment — and the same conviction.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026